Media Studies

Examining Board – AQA

AS Modules

  • Reading the Media*
  • Textual Topics in Contemporary Media*
  • Practical Production

A2 Modules

  • Texts and Contexts in the Media*
  • The Independent Study
  • Comparative Critical Analysis*

Externally assessed examinations

METHODS OF STUDY

There is usually one teacher for each module allowing for a range of teaching and learning strategies including:

  • Discussion (whole group, small group and pairs)
  • Close reading of a wide variety of media texts
  • Presentations
  • Individual research
  • Note taking
  • Use of media technology
  • Essay writing

Because of the practical demands of this course, group numbers are strictly limited.

METHODS OF ASSESSMENT

Module 1 : 1 hour 15 minute examination worth 30% of the total AS mark. Candidates have 15 minutes reading/viewing/listening time followed by 1 hour to answer one compulsory question on an unseen text.

Module 2 : 1 hour 30 minute examination worth 30% of the total AS mark. Candidates will be required to answer 2 questions, one on each of the topics chosen for study. Two questions will be set on each optional topic from which candidates will choose one.

Module 3 : Candidates will be required to produce coursework using one or more media technology worth 40% of the total AS mark. Each piece should be accompanied by a brief of approximately 750 words and an evaluation of 1000 words.

Module 4 : Assessment will be by a written paper of 1 hour 30 minutes worth 15% of the total A level grade. Candidates will be required to answer 2 questions, one on each of the topics chosen for study two questions will be set on each topic.

Module 5 : This module provides candidates with the opportunity to produce an independent study of approximately 3000 words worth 20% of the total A level mark.

Module 6 : Assessment will be a written paper of 1 hour 30 minutes worth 15% of the total A level grade. Candidates will have 30 minutes reading/viewing/listening time followed by 1 hour to write a comparative critical analysis of 2 unseen texts.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Ideally students should have achieved at least a grade B in English Language at GCSE. An ability to use media technology is also desirable, whilst an active interest in all forms of media is essential